Country radio DJ Terry Dorsey no longer has to fear blackouts and stroke
Think FAST
Could you tell if someone
were having a stroke?
If so, you might save a
life or help someone avoid
a severe disability. The key
is to think FAST:
F
ace. Does one side of
the face droop? Look for
slumping to one side or an
inability to stand straight.
A
rms. Is one arm weak
or numb? Ask the person
to raise both arms at the
same time; see if one
arm begins to fall down.
S
peech. Is the speech
slurred? People might
have problems getting
words out, sound as
though they have
something in their
mouth, or use words
that don’t make sense.
T
ime. People have
the best chance of
recovery if someone
calls 911 immediately.
MAKE THE CALL
In an emergency, it’s better to
call 911 instead of driving to the
emergency department. Learn why
at
Thousands of loyal countrymusic fans wake up eachmorning
to the voice of Terry Dorsey on KSCS 96.3 FM. His radio
program
Hawkeye and Dorsey in the Morning
is one of the
longest-runningmorning shows in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
“I love being on the air and have the best time entertaining folks,” says Dorsey, who
has been recognized as
Billboard
magazine’s Personality of the Year five times, named
the Country Music Association’s Major Market Country Air Personality of the Year, and
honored as an inductee into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and
Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
Then four years ago, Dorsey began dealing with a troubling problem.
“I was experiencing blackouts at work and even while on vacation,” he says. “I’d be
hospitalized for it, but no one was able to figure out what was causing them.”
Problem solvers
It wasn’t until he saw John Thurmond, MD, internal medicine physician at Methodist
Mansfield Medical Center, that Dorsey finally found the reason for his blackouts. An
ultrasound confirmed that Dorsey’s left carotid artery was 95 percent blocked by plaque,
restricting blood flow to his brain by 95 percent.
The blackouts were a warning sign of a possible stroke.
Dr. Thurmond referred Dorsey to vascular surgeon Joseph Caruso, MD, also at Methodist
Mansfield. Dr. Caruso performed an endarterectomy, carefully removing the fatty plaque
from inside Dorsey’s carotid artery and restoring blood flow.
“My neck was a little tender when I shaved for the first few days after surgery, but now the
incision has healed and there’s not even a scar,” Dorsey says. “I’m grateful to my physicians,
because I’d still be passing out if it weren’t for them. With their help, I’m a survivor.”
Overcoming obstacles
Dorsey is no stranger to life’s challenges. In addition to the blockage in his carotid artery,
he had a heart attack 23 years ago when he was 45 years old, prostate cancer 15 years ago,
a small stroke five years ago, and esophageal cancer.
“It’s important to take care of yourself and get regular checkups,” Dorsey says. “It doesn’t
make you less of a man. You can beat a lot of this stuff if you catch it early.”
Dorsey still gets up every morning at 2:45 to get to work, and he loves what he does. Every
afternoon, he comes home to his wife, Claudia, and at least one of his 10 grandchildren.
“They’re always over here,” he says jovially and then adds soberly: “I’m here for a purpose.
Radio and country music give my life meaning. I live each day as if it’s my last, and every
day is unique. I’ve been blessed.”
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Methodist Mansfield Medical Center
•
❁
Spring 2014
